On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, the US Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a 50-49 vote, marking a significant victory for President Donald Trump. Blanche, who had been serving as acting attorney general, will now officially lead the Department of Justice.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana cast the deciding vote in favor of Blanche after two Republicans, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, opposed the nomination. Every Democrat voted against Blanche.

Blanche's confirmation followed a contentious and divisive hearing that revealed bipartisan concerns about his independence. Critics highlighted his role in advancing a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund," which included tax immunity provisions for Trump, his sons, and his businesses. Under pressure, Blanche publicly promised to abandon this fund and rein in the tax immunity deal.

Senator Cassidy acknowledged Blanche's imperfections but argued that he was the better choice compared to other potential acting attorney generals under Trump. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Senate Republicans of enabling ongoing misconduct by confirming Blanche.

During his tenure as deputy and acting attorney general, Blanche's department indicted figures such as former FBI director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and the Southern Poverty Law Center in cases viewed by some experts as weak.

Blanche defended Trump in two federal cases brought by the Biden administration's DOJ, claiming firsthand experience of what he described as the weaponization of the justice system against the former president.

Blanche expressed gratitude on social media for the trust placed in him by President Trump and the Senate's late-night confirmation vote.

Sources